Thursday, December 19, 2013

"Santa" Visits Sheldon Preschool

Santa came early this year for the preschoolers at Sheldon
Child Development Center, and he ditched his sleigh in favor of a motorcycle!

A
trio of bikers from Kansas City, representing the non-profit organization Hands
to Hearts, arrived on Wednesday with wrapped gifts for each of the 367 children
who attend the center. The presents, which were collected throughout the year,
were brought in by Michael Bergen and his “elves,” Bobby and Dasher (yes,
Dasher!).

Sheldon principal Scott Henson explained the fun- but
agonizing- process the hundreds of children went through to receive their
gifts. “The children gathered in the hallways right outside their classrooms,
and Michael personally handed each child a gift. Then he had everybody wait
until he counted to three to unwrap them, which can be somewhat of a challenge
for a three- or four-year-old!” This was the 20th year Hands to
Hearts has delivered gifts to children in the Midwest, and the 2nd
year at Sheldon.

The Sheldon youngsters have received gifts from several
other generous donors this year, too. Constructive Playthings, an educational
toy company, sent the school over $7,000 worth of new toys, and Barnes and
Noble donated a Little Golden Book for each of the center’s preschoolers. A
Sheldon parent, who works for God’s Storehouse, also brought in a stuffed
animal for every child.

We hope the Sheldon preschoolers enjoy their gifts and have
a delightful holiday season!